Powerman 5000

The original incarnation of POWERMAN 5000 took shape in Boston Massachusetts, where the group racked up a multitude of local gigs and produced two independent CD releases, 1994’s True Force and 95’s The Blood Splat Rating System. An unrivaled work ethic and growing legion of fans helped secure the band’s dominance in the Boston rock scene, as well as creating a must-have commodity for many major labels.

1997 was a big year for Spider and company; it saw them sign with DreamWorks Records, relocate to Los Angeles and release their major label debut, Mega!! Kung Fu Radio. A year of touring with the likes of Marilyn Manson, Korn and Ozzfest followed, giving them national exposure and further strengthening the bands fan base.

Their follow up, 1999’s Tonight The Stars Revolt!, featuring the hits “When Worlds Collide” and “Nobody’s Real” went on to sell more than a million copies . “Tonight The Stars Revolt! changed everything.” Spider recalls. “Suddenly we went from being this weird little underground band to having our faces on MTV and our songs played nationwide. Not only did we achieve a level of success that we never expected but we managed to galvanize such a bizarre fan base. It was an equal mix of hard core rockers , sci fi nerds and teenage girls. The audience was truly unique. I remember, the tag line for the album was, ‘your future has arrived’, and it seemed to be ringing true for a lot of people.”

Anyone For Doomsday?, the band’s third outing for Dreamworks, was recorded in 2001 and was shelved just weeks prior to release. “From a creative standpoint, the record didn’t feel ready.” explains Spider of his choice to put the brakes on the album’s release. When the dust settled, Powerman emerged with a new line-up and a new album. 2003’s Transform stripped away a lot of the band’s electronic elements and delivered on a much more punk rock, Clash-inspired sound. The album launched Powerman back onto the charts, debuting at number 25 on Billboard Top 200 and spawning the Top 10 Rock hit “Free”. All the pieces seemed to be falling into place for PM5K until their longtime label, DreamWorks, was essentially dissolved midway through the Transform campaign.

Spider, by now the only remaining original member of the band reflects, “ This was a tough time but I knew it wasn’t over. In fact, this was an opportunity to do it all over again, to tap into that undeniable energy that only a new band has.” A year long trek of back-to-basics rock shows followed spawning 2006’s raw and reckless Destroy What You Enjoy. “ The entire history of this band has been filled with chaos and uncertainty. I’ve seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows. I’ve seen long time members disappear and record companies crumble. Though, through it all, the result has always been loud, obnoxious, uncompromising rock ‘n roll.” Spider admits. ” That album was something I had to get off my chest. It was like destroying the past to build a new future.”

In 2009 the future indeed arrived again for Powerman 5000. New band members, new music and a sound that recalls what the band became famous for had fans celebrating the release of Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere. Tracks like “Super Villain” and “V is for Vampire” showcase crushing riffs , electronic dance madness and a healthy dose of futuristic, pop culture psycho babble as only main man Spider can provide. A return to form, if you will, and an album that set the stage for the next chapter in the ever evolving journey of Powerman 5000.

POWERMAN 5000 are currently in the studio recording their highly anticipated follow up to Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere. The new record is expect to drop early 2014.